Why does post-surgical swelling occur? How can it be effectively managed? When will it go away? Whether you are undergoing a facelift, breast procedure, tummy tuck or liposuction, the answers to these questions will pertain to you!
What Causes Swelling After Surgery?
Swelling, or edema, is a natural response of your body to surgery. When tissue is disrupted during a procedure, your body initiates an inflammatory response. This involves an influx of fluid and white blood cells into the affected area to aid in the healing process. While essential, this response can lead to discomfort and prolonged recovery times if not properly managed.
Key Reasons For Post-Surgical Swelling
- Tissue Trauma: Surgical procedures inherently involve the manipulation of tissues, which triggers a wound healing response. This process can cause fluid buildup, which manifests as tissue swelling.
- Lymphatic System Response: The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance in the body’s soft tissue, however it can be temporarily overwhelmed by the sudden increase in fluid from surgery. Additionally, some of your body’s lymphatic channels may be disrupted during surgery, causing further back-up of fluid in the soft tissues.
The Role of Lymphatic Massage in Recovery
Lymphatic massage, or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a gentle massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, enhancing the clearance of excess fluids and toxins from body tissues.
Lymphatic massage typically begins a few days post-surgery, depending on the individual case and the type of surgery performed. It is crucial to have these massages performed by a trained therapist who specializes in post-surgical lymphatic drainage to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage
- Reducing Swelling: By encouraging lymph flow, MLD helps reduce fluid buildup and decrease swelling more rapidly.
- Promoting Healing: Enhanced lymph flow supports the removal of the healing byproducts, which can lead to faster and more effective recovery.
- Improving Comfort: Reducing swelling can significantly decrease discomfort and improve mobility post-surgery.
Lymphatic massage typically begins 2 days following liposuction or 1 week following abdominoplasty and facelift. It is crucial to have these massages performed by a trained therapist who specializes in post-surgical lymphatic drainage to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Compression Garments: Why Are They Necessary?
Compression garments are specially designed elastic apparel that applies consistent pressure to the surgery area. They are a cornerstone of post-operative care for many types of surgeries, including liposuction, breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty. These garments are uncomfortable at first, become more comfortable as the swelling decreases and the fabric conforms to your body.
Functions of Compression Garments Include:
- Controlling Swelling: They help control swelling by preventing fluid from accumulating at the surgery site.
- Supporting Tissues: Compression helps hold tissues in place, which is vital for proper healing and reducing the chance for contour irregularities. Scar tissue is inevitable when having surgery. You want to do everything you can to ensure that the scar tissue forms in the right places.
- Reducing Pain: By limiting swelling and supporting tissues, these garments can also reduce pain and discomfort throughout the healing process.
I advise my patients to wear the compression garments 24 hours a day for AT LEAST 6 weeks post-surgery. If more extensive body contouring was performed, this timeline will be extended. This may sound burdensome, however nearly every patient experiences the benefits of the compression garment and is compliant throughout the recommended timeline.
Why Paying Attention to Swelling is Crucial?
Managing swelling is not merely about aesthetics or comfort; it plays a critical role in the overall healing process.
- Prevention of Complications: Effective management of swelling can prevent complications such as seromas (pockets of fluid) or infections.
- Aesthetic Outcomes: Uniform compression and reduced swelling contribute to smoother contours and can enhance the final appearance.
- Faster Recovery: Controlling swelling can lead to a shorter, more comfortable recovery period, allowing patients to return to daily activities sooner.
Conclusion
Both lymphatic massage and compression garments are effective strategies for managing post-surgical swelling, promoting healing, and enhancing patient comfort. Adhering to these recommended post-surgical recovery strategies will maximize your results and shorten your healing timeline.
